Experiences — Egypt by Boreas

Abu Simbel Sun Festival

Twice a year, sunrise breaks straight into the heart of Ramses II’s temple. A pre-dawn journey from Aswan to witness Egypt’s most famous solar alignment, with Nubian music and folklore around it.

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Half day
Duration
Abu Simbel
Temples
Location
22 Feb &
22 Oct
Festival Dates
✓
Transfers included
Facade of the Great Temple of Abu Simbel with the four colossal statues of Ramses II Abu Simbel temple complex on the shore of Lake Nasser Close view of the colossal statues at Abu Simbel temple

Twice a year, on the 22nd of February and the 22nd of October, the sun rises directly along the axis of the Great Temple at Abu Simbel and reaches into its innermost sanctuary, lighting the statues of Ramses II and the gods beside him. Around the sunrise, Aswan and Abu Simbel fill with Nubian music, dance and folklore. Boreas builds the day into your time in Aswan and arranges the guide, the transfer and the schedule around the alignment.

The Sunrise Alignment

Source: Instagram

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What’s Included
Egyptologist guide

A private guide for context on the temples and the alignment.

Sunrise viewing

A place to watch the sun reach the inner sanctuary.

Nubian music & folklore

Traditional performances that mark the festival.

Breakfast & refreshments

Something to eat and drink after the early start.

Entry tickets

Access to the temple site on the day.

Private transport

Round-trip transfer, arranged by Boreas.

Good to Know
Duration A half day, built around sunrise on the day of the festival.
Festival dates Only twice a year — 22 February and 22 October. Book well ahead.
Departure A very early start from your Aswan hotel, timed to reach Abu Simbel before sunrise.
What to bring A warm layer for the pre-dawn desert, your ID or passport, and a camera.
Transfers Round-trip from your Aswan hotel, arranged by Boreas.

Abu Simbel is a national heritage site managed by Egypt’s antiquities authorities. Boreas arranges the guide, the transfer and the schedule as part of your Aswan stay.

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Add the Sun Festival to your time in Aswan.

View of the Abu Simbel temple complex Nubian folklore dancers performing at the Abu Simbel Sun Festival Traditional Egyptian musician performing at the Sun Festival

Dance photo source: Egyptian Streets